Job Functions:
Has a broad understanding of utility smart grid technologies that combine communications, information management, and power systems technologies with a focus on smart distribution systems. Leads research efforts in the smart grid area which combines the power system infrastructure with a communications and information management infrastructure to achieve improved operation and reliability. Manages the development and application of products and services in the smart grid research area through contractors and departmental or cross-functional teams. Provides ongoing coordination with key research and industry development efforts, including industry standards development in the smart grids area. Plans and directs schedules and monitors budget/spending. Organizes the external and interdepartmental activities ensuring completion of the project/product on schedule and within budget. May conduct research directly in complex, high impact technical or scientific fields.
Ideal Candidate:
· Provide cross functional industry expertise to support a wide variety of smart grid research activities.
· Apply technical knowledge to industry issues and gain input on needs from members and identify current and emerging technical issues
· Identify important smart grid research opportunities, especially in the area of the distribution and customer systems integration infrastructure, and coordinate with potential customers to define these opportunities as collaborative research projects
· Provide a technical service to EPRI customers and develop research and/or service opportunities of value to them that fit EPRI’s mission and capabilities. This will include solving customer problems, producing insights and information vital to members, and delivering information in a manner that members and customers can and will apply.
· Identify and coordinate with qualified internal and contractor teams to complete the work. Select contractors, develop work statements, direct work efforts, track financial and technical progress, provide technical guidance and contributions.
· Coordinate with and provide assistance to EPRI sales staff (account executives) in Member Services and EPRI International.
· Maintain technical expertise and good national and international technical networks with manufacturers, consultants, academia and research organizations.
· Communicate strategies and results, written and verbal, to program membership and potential members through guidelines, reports, meetings, webcasts, workshops and conferences.
Education Level and Years of Experience:
· Holds a bachelor's or master's in electrical engineering or power System engineering, power electronics, or automation systems (desired)
· Extensive cross-functional experience (more than 20 years preferred).